Lande: Kenny Vaccaro could be a top-5 pick

Russ Lande of the National Football Post suggests Texas S Kenny Vaccaro could be a top-five pick in April's NFL Draft.
"Everybody has him in the top ten," Lande said. "He’s a ball-hawking safety that can come up and hit and tackle. He’s the real deal. I wouldn’t be shocked if Detroit — if there’s no elite pass-rusher there — Detroit at No. 5 may take him. He’s really good." A first-team All-Big 12 pick in both 2011 and 2012, Vaccaro amassed 107 tackles as a senior and recorded five career interceptions.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch Jan 25 - 8:31 PM

I love Vacarro and he's my favorite Safety in the draft, but there is no way he is a top 5 pick.. He should go in the 15-25 range. Anything below that would be a reach imo.

Think about it. The only two Safeties to go in the top 5 in recent memory are Sean Taylor and Eric Berry, both of whom were elite prospects. Vacarro's a good player, but not an elite prospect.

Borderline elite Safety prospects like LaRon Landry, Michael Huff, and Donte Whitner were all drafted in the top 10, and they were all better prospects than Vacarro coming out of college. I'd be shocked if he goes top 10.

I love Vacarro and he's my favorite Safety in the draft, but there is no way he is a top 5 pick.. He should go in the 15-25 range. Anything below that would be a reach imo.

Think about it. The only two Safeties to go in the top 5 in recent memory are Sean Taylor and Eric Berry, both of whom were elite prospects. Vacarro's a good player, but not an elite prospect.

Borderline elite Safety prospects like LaRon Landry, Michael Huff, and Donte Whitner were all drafted in the top 10, and they were all better prospects than Vacarro coming out of college. I'd be shocked if he goes top 10.

The only thing I'd say about that is all draft classes aren't created equal. This is a weak one at the top. Whoever goes 1st overall is a reach.

i went back and studied Vaccaro, and on 2nd thought, i wouldnt take him at 18, while he is a good safety, i dont see him worthy of the 18th pick, i think there are other safeties almost as good as him. i think Elam could even be better.

i still think S and DT are huge weaknesses on this team, and hopefully it will be addressed this offseason

i hate to say it, but i think its quite possible Vacarro could easily go top 10.
Case in point: Mark Barron S Alabama, 12 career INTs, only 2 his sr year, goes 7th overall just last year.
I don't think Vacarro is a top 10 talent but I could totally see him off the board in that range.